Transformers / Power Panel's & Clearance

Status
Not open for further replies.
Hello Everyone.

I have a question that I can not seem to get an answer to that people want to guess about.

I work for a company as a Quality Engineer / IT assistant. We are moving the entire shop area around and I have a problem. I hope that someone can give me some details and maybe a copy of the way the rule is written.

Problem is that we have 4 huge transformers and sever power panels. Now I know that you must have a clearance of 3 feet from both. That's not the problem. The problem is that I am told that I have to lay down a taped 3 foot isle to the transformers and panels. This taped out area can not even have as much as a chair in it.

I say that all that needs to be kept clear is the section in front of the transformers and panels.

Imagine if you will the inside corner of a building. One wall is 50 long and the other is over 300. The 50' wall has 4 transformers and 5 power panels. It is in a area that has our electrical test department. There is a 4' wall that is 3' from the furtherest edge of any transformer or panel. The walkway into that are has a 3 foot opening. There is nothing in the general area of the opening, however from the main isle (out of the department) to the opening of the transformer/panel area, there are sever desks and table with test equipment. I am being told that I have to re-arrange the department so there is a taped off walk way from the main isle to the open of the transformer area, and that nothing can be placed in that taped off section.

Can anyone shead any light on this for me. I just can not believe this. And if its true, then I have to figure out how to re-arrange a department that is stressed from space as it is.

Thank you in advance for any help you might be able to give.

btw--- I live is upstate NY.

Kind Regards,

HuntersCabin
 
Re: Transformers / Power Panel's & Clearance

You have to keep clear a depth of 3 feet and a 30inch width, or the width of the equipment.
 
Re: Transformers / Power Panel's & Clearance

You will find the requirements in 110.26(A)(1) of the 2002 NEC. There are three conditions to the table and you could possibly need up to 4' clearance in some situations.

However this is not what you are specificaly asking.

The walkway to the equipment sounds like an insurance carrier or some safety requirement to your facillity if it is indeed needed.

This is not an NEC requirement, check the aforementioned insurance, local fire (they will have requirements) or state codes, and OSHA.

Roger
 
Re: Transformers / Power Panel's & Clearance

Sorry Russ, I didn't mean to double up on what you said, :( I had to go back into the warehouse after I started my post, and it took me 20 minutes to finish. (slow typing may have something to do with it too ;) )

Roger
 
Re: Transformers / Power Panel's & Clearance

Thank you Russ and Roger for your input and fast responces.

Like I said I know about the clearance from the panels and transformers. Some companies I have been in take and paint the floor around such so to keep that area clear.

I guess I will have to check and find out where this walkway stuff came from. Sounds like a lot of wasted space if you ask me.

Thank you again for such a fast responce.

Kind Regards,

HuntersCabin
at STNYdotRRdotCOM
 
Re: Transformers / Power Panel's & Clearance

i do not know if it is allowed in your state, you may want to install barrier posts as the required distance and use a removable chain between the posts. you will also need to put down the barrier tape. i've seen it done in several locations.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top